Gronkowski set to join Chad Brown after 'shock' departure from Jeremy Nosdea

Gronkowski has been transferred from Jeremy Noseda to the American barn of Chad Brown with the intention of running in the Belmont Stakes on June 9.

Owners Phoenix Thoroughbreds removed all the horses they had in training with the Newmarket handler, despite Gronkowski and Walk In The Sun registering several victories for the Shalfleet handler.

Jeremy Noseda admitted to being “shocked and surprised” the horse was taken from him on Tuesday.

"He is coming to Chad and I think he'll be there Monday morning," Tom Ludt, Vice President of equine operations for Phoenix Thoroughbreds said.

"I talked with Chad before the Derby and obviously he has not had the horse yet. He'll be in the barn by Monday and (the Belmont) is our intention. But we're not going to tell Chad what to do. He'll only go in the Belmont if he feels it's the right fit."

One-time Kentucky Derby hope Gronkowski was the highest profile Phoenix-owned horse based with the Shalfleet team.

The three-year-old won for the third time this year in the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle in March, a Kentucky Derby qualifier, after which Noseda confirmed his charge would be trained for the ‘Run for the Roses’.

Gronkowski qualified for the Kentucky Derby at Newcastle (Racingfotos)

He is named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who later acquired a share in the horse in anticipation of watching him run at Churchill Downs.

However, his American dream was dashed when he was ruled out after spiking a fever and it now appears he has run his last race for Noseda.

The trainer posted on Twitter: “The Phoenix-owned horses have left Shalfleet.

“I am shocked and surprised by their decision. I have no reason or explanation for the decision.”

Commenting on Noseda's surprise Lundt was quoted as saying on Bloodhorse.com: "At the end of the day there are a lot of things going on and a lot of distractions, and we want to do what is best for the horses," Ludt added.

"I heard that (Noseda) was quoted as saying he was shocked, but I had been talking to him about this for a while. Jeremy and I have been friends for a long time and it's a tough decision, but Phoenix has to do what is best for the horses right now."

These are changing times for the Phoenix operation, who are set to distribute the other horses formerly based at Noseda's yard with other trainers.

Earlier in the year the operation, which is the brainchild of Bahrain-born Amer Abdulaziz, announced it was parting ways with Noseda's former partner, British bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe.

Gerald Mosse, who is now plying his trade in Britain, was appointed stable jockey to the racing operation 12 months ago and despite riding three winners from eight rides, lasted just four months.